Formula One drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg helped Mercedes-Benz take the wraps off their new competitor for the German DTM touring car series, based on the Mercedes-Benz C-Coupe.

Mercedes claims that the C-Class is DTM’s most successful entry, with 84 victories in 156 races and five driver’s titles. DTM is thought to be one of the premiere sports car series in the world, with drivers regularly moving on to Le Mans or prestigious open wheel racing series after their stints.

Gallery: DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupe

We are already highly anticipating Michael Schumacher’s unveiling of the DTM AMG C Coupe at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show but now Mercedes has teased us with a video of the new car. Mercedes DTM driver Gary Paffett gives us some comments about the new machine in the video, building even more suspense to see how Mercedes will compete against BMW‘s DTM racer and Audi‘s A5.

The official unveiling will take place on September 13th, 2011 with Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg, Gary Paffett, Mercedes-Benz Motorsports chief Norbert Haug and Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche taking center stage. The 2012 DTM season is shaping up to be one of the best, and we’re highly anticipating news of a race series to bring the DTM machines over to America.

Check out the video after the break.

Continue Reading…

There’s no better way to get a rise out of the jaded automotive media and ensure a spot on the local network newscast than to have a genuine professional racing star introduce your new car at an auto show. And that’s just what Mercedes intends to do at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week, with the new DTM race car being revealed by none-other than 7-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher. Oh, and teammate Nico Rosber (who’s actually out-performing old-man Schumie this year) will be there too.

Based on the new C-Class Coupe, the car will continue to be an excellent branding exercise for Mercedes-Benz, while sharing nothing but its roof with the production car.

“The IAA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung), the world’s most important show for the automotive industry, is the perfect setting for the première of our new 2012 DTM car,” said Schumacher.

“This new-generation vehicle, based on our Mercedes-Benz C- Coupé, will mark the introduction of an even more spectacular racing car from the start of 2012,” said Norbert Haug, the head of Merc’s motorsports division. “I am certain that the spectators will get their money’s worth from the three-way fight between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the DTM next year.”

To see all the photos of the car, visit AutoGuide’s Frankfurt Auto Show coverage page starting September 13th.

Despite a poor performance, rumors of retirement, and even a call to hang-up his racing gloves by former F1 Champ Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher will be back competing at the pinnacle of motorsports next year.

The seven-time World Champion’s return to F1 has been less than glamorous, with the Mercedes GP Petronas driver having failed to reach the podium once this season. Still, Schumacher obviously feels he has an important role to play. Speaking at a Mercedes-Benz event over the weekend, Schumacher said, “I’ll certainly be racing next year, that is definite.”

Currently Schumacher sits in 10th place in the Drivers’ standings, three places behind team mate Nico Rosberg. With eight more races to go this season, can Schumacher return to his former glory?

Niki Lauda, former F1 champion and a man who knows a thing or two about a comeback, is looking at Michael Schumacher’s own, and suggesting that it’s time for him to embrace retired life.

Lauda mounted a comeback after retirement himself, back in 1982 after spending two years off the track. He didn’t do so well this time around, however: he finished 10th at the end of the season, 59 points behind his teammate Alain Prost. Wisely, he quit while he was behind. Today, he sees Schumacher falling into the same trap as he did.

“I have always been a big supporter of Michael’s comeback, because I did it, and I know what it’s all about,” said Lauda, to Motor Sport magazine. “I think every sportsman—if he wants to perform as well as Schumacher did in the past—has to be honest with himself. He has kept saying that he needs more time, blah, blah, blah, and he presents himself as the relaxed guy who’s really enjoying it—but inside he’s not relaxed at all, because no top racing driver enjoys being beaten. If he really were as relaxed as he claims to be, then Mercedes should tell him to retire!”

An Italian newspaper reported that Schumacher had considered quitting the Mercedes-Benz team, but Schumi’s manager countered by stating that he was as committed as ever. Who knows what it will take to unnerve Schumacher’s typically relaxed demeanor, and whether he’ll heed Lauda’s advice.

[Source: ESPN F1]

Seven time F1 champ Michael Schumacher may re-retire at the end of the 2011 racing season, despite a contract that extends a full year beyond that point.

Schumacher first retired in 2006, only to return to the pinnacle of motorsports in 2009, driving for Mercedes-Benz.

“I arrived at Mercedes with a specific task: not winning at all costs but to grow the team,” he said in an interview with Corriere dello Sport. “If anything, I am the problem: it is a fact that I am a bit more relaxed than before and I do not know if my mindset is right for this team.”

Those words seem to speak volumes about Schumacher’s intentions, but no decision has been made yet he insists. “At some point we will evaluate whether I continue or stop,” he said.

If Schumacher does retire from F1, Mercedes is expected to draft Force India pilot Paul di Resta to race along side Nico Rosberg.

[Source: Speed]

Race car magnate Tom Walkinshaw has died at age 64 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Walkinshaw began his career as a driver, and then established legendary firm Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) in 1976, and contested European and Australian motor racing, with his team winning the Bathurst 1000 endurance race in 1985.

TWR was also a major behind the scenes player in the motor racing world, working with teams like Benetton, Ligier and Arrows and attracting the best driving talent, including Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher. TWR’s long affiliation with Australia also extended to Australian V8 Supercars, specifically the Holden Racing Team, and the establishment of Holden’s HSV tuning arm.

[Source: BBC Sport]

So many luxury auto-brand watches, so little time. Making it even harder to settle on just one, Ferrari has just released its latest timepiece to the market – the new Ferrari Lap Time chronograph.

With only 399 watches being made, you can expect the Lap Time to go fast. Featuring a black rubber strap, it’s adorned with a Ferrari shield logo and “Scuderia Ferrari” embossing. It also features an original valve of the F2003-GA World Champion, Ferrari’s 49th single-seater that gave Michael Schumacher his sixth Drivers’ title and Ferrari its fifth Constructors’ crown.

Presented in an elegant carbon-fiber box, the Lap Time is secured inside a black display. The lid sports the Scudetto Ferrari logo, and a plaque on the outside announces the watch’s manufacturing number.

Boasting a brilliant combination of superb accuracy and functions, this is an ideal all-round, high performance chronograph. Other features you’ll love include an analogical display of main time, with Swiss high-precision movement; digital display for 2 more secondary time zones; chronometer, partial time, tachometer, countdown; rubber watch strap, unbreakable glass, waterproof, guarantees functionality and comfort under extreme conditions.

The price tag isn’t too bad either – the Ferrari Lap Time retails for 499 euro, which translates to about $688 U.S.

[Source: Top Speed]

It’s hard to believe it’s been 16 years since Michael Schumacher stormed onto the scene. Seven Formula One championships later, you can own a piece of Schumacher and Formula One history… if you’ve got a couple million dollars lying around: $2.08 million to be exact.

Schumacher’s first driver’s championship Benetton B194-8 is is now up for sale for those that are pure Formula One junkies or Michael Schumacher addicts. The car is in near flawless condition still powered by the 3.5L Ford-Cosworth ZETEC R V8 powerplant that took Schumacher to the top of the podium.

We’re guessing if you have the money to spare, there are worse ways you could blow $2.08 million. Go ahead, own a piece of history and when you’re bored, take it around for a lap in the race track you’re having built in your backyard. You know you wanna.

[Source: JamesList]

Michael Schumacher has apologized to Rubens Barrichello after nearly running him into a retaining wall at the 2010 Hungarian Grand Prix. The apology came via a text message, but the actual words were not released.

Schumacher, who defended his actions despite a massive outcry, published a statement on his website saying he was “sorry” and did not intend to put Barrichello’s life in jeopardy.

Now, reports say that Schumacher went a step further and apologized to his former team mate via a text message. Barrichello went on to confirm this, and was gracious in his response.

“Somebody said to him that I was under the impression he had pushed me onto the wall, and he said it wasn’t the case and he apologised for that. I just said ‘thank you, no problem’. I accepted it, wished him a good weekend, life goes on.”

[Source: Sky Sports]

Hit the jump to see video of Rubens and Schumi battling it out at the 2010 Hungarian GP

Continue Reading…